Who Went Home and Who Made It Through Tonight on ‘American Idol’ Showstoppers
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Judges make their 'Final Judgments' as they pick the Top 24 American Idols for 2023.
It’s the battle for the survival of the fittest during the “Showstoppers: The Final Judgment” episodes of American Idol, which air in two parts. Night one was tonight with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan choosing the first group of artists to make it into the Top 24.
“This is going to be the most intense part of the process,” Lionel says. “We’re trying to find the magic 24.”
And Katy adds, “Whatever questions we have about the contestants are answered in Showstoppers.”
“Showstoppers” is the first time the contestants performed with a band on a big stage, which gave the judges the opportunity to rate them on more than just their voice, but also on stage presence.
At this point, there are 55 contestants left, so slightly more than half will be sent home before the competition returns to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, where soul and R&B singer-songwriter Allen Stone will mentor the Idol hopefuls who will face America’s first vote of the season.
Related: The Real Reason 'Accidental' American Idol Contestant Sara Beth Quit the Competition
An interesting note on tonight’s “Showstoppers” was the fact that there were two sing-offs. First, Pjae and Malik Heard had to sing a cappella for the judges who hadn’t make their minds up yet which one would go through. They performed Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted,” and in a surprise move, the judges decided to eliminate an as-yet-unnamed contestant and put both of them through.
Then Paige Anne and Megan Danielle also had to perform a sing-off to an Adele song, but that verdict won’t be rendered until tomorrow night. They chose "Easy on Me."
The other surprise of the night was that the judges eliminated one of their Platinum Ticket choices when they sent Kaylin Hedges home. At 15 years old, they felt that Kaylin just didn't have enough experience yet and urged her to keep singing to get to where she needs to be.
Eliminated contestants tonight on American Idol 2023 Showstopper Round Night 1
Adin Boyer
22, Lake Forest, Ill.
Music Teacher
Song: “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
Fire Wilmore
23, Lawton, Okla.
Dancer
Song: “Mercy” by Duffy
Related: How Jayna Elise Rescued Fire on American Idol Duets Night
Kaylin Hedges – Platinum Ticket
15, Pound Ridge, N.Y.
High School Student
Song: “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal
Advancing artists tonight on American Idol 2023 Showstopper Round Night 1
Kaeyra 21, Algonquin, Ill. Restaurant Singer Song: “River” by Bishop Briggs
Haven Madison 16, Clarksville, Tenn. High School Student Song: “Bird Set Free” by Sia
Lucy Love 28, Holly Grove, Ark. Mother Song: “Flying Without Wings” by Ruben Studdard
Malik Heard 25, Dallas, Texas Retail Associate Song: “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell
Michael Williams 21, Mason, Ohio Singer Song: “Angels Like You” by Miley Cyrus
Nutsa 25, Tbilisi, Georgia Performer Song: “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
Related: Watch the American Idol Contestant Who Lost 150 Pounds Get a Golden Ticket to Hollywood
Pjae 24, Lawton, Okla. Branding Designer Song: “I Want You” by Luke James
Tyson Venegas – Platinum Ticket, 17, Vancouver, British Columbia High School Student Song: “Cuz I Love You” by Lizzo
Related: Watch American Idol Judges Give Out the First Platinum Ticket to 'The Most Gifted Singer Yet'
Warren Peay, 24, Bamberg, S.C. Appliance Repair Technican Song: “Whipping Post” by the Allman Brothers Band
Wé Ani 23, Harlem, N.Y. Performer Song: “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin
Zachariah Smith 19, Amory, Miss. Grill Cook Song: “Don’t Stop Now” by Queen
Artists still waiting for an answer on American Idol 2023 Showstopper Round Night 1
Megan Danielle 20, Douglasville, Ga. Singer/Songwriter Song: “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga
Paige Anne 16, Idaho Falls, Idaho High School Student Song: “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas and Papas
Part 2 of American Idol 2023’s “Showstoppers: The Final Judgment” airs on Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
